My favorite book this year is Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis. It is a terrific Canadian political satire. The novel takes place in Ottawa . The plot involves a crusty, old, engineering professor named Angus McLintock. A deal is struck between Daniel Addison and Angus (Daniel’s landlord). Angus agrees to let his name stand in an election that no one thinks he can win and Daniel agrees to teach Angus` English class to first year engineering students. Check out http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/terry-fallis/best-laid-plans.htm for more details. The book is extremely funny with a very riveting plot. I worried that my enjoyment of the book might be partly due to the fact that I lived in Ottawa for almost 20 years and worked for the House of Commons for 7 years. However based on the many awards that the book has won, I am not alone in recommending Best Laid Plans.

September 22th marks the beginning of Banned Book in the United States. The ALA (American Library Association)posts both challenged and Banned books. Challenged books are books that groups or parents are trying to restrict or remove material. A Challenged book isn't just because their (parents, or groups) are expressing an opinion: They are trying to get the book removed from library shelves, curriculum and trying to restrict access to anyone wanting to read said book.

Example of Challenged books for the year 2012

Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey. Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. Reasons: Offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group

This will be the first of what I hope will be by monthly reviews. Either book or author reviews. Today I've decided on an author review of Karen Marie Moning. (awesome!) I've been reading Ms. Moning from the beginning. She started with historical (time travelish) romance. She loves her highlanders and so do we She had a bit of trouble for about 1/2 a minute when her Fae series came out and people realized it wasn't a HEA (happy ever after) type of series and that it was more urban fantasy. When you read her books you can see the progression / evolution of her writing. At first she wrote great steamy romances with strong heroines and alpha heroes. But now her books grab you by the throat and don't let go. Her world building is such that you see the world through her eyes. Call me weird but I'm the type of reader who when I like an author I tend to fall into the story so much that I get emotionally involved with the characters. Sometimes to the point where I have to walk away from the book for a bit .It just gets to much. Well with Ms. Moning, it's every single on of her Fae books. I've had to put every single of of them down, sometimes 1/2 way through, this time with her newest Iced I had to put it down not even 1/4 of the way through. Ridiculous I know but she brings these people to life for me. Hopefully most of our reviews won't be so long winded (odds are they will be though ) Until next timeSource photo by: fantasticfiction.co.uk

Greater Sudbury Roller Derby will be hosting their last bout of the season this Saturday at the Copper Cliff Curling Club. The Tatas vs. the Rollergettes and then NORD Wildcards take on London's Luscious Lunch Ladies. Tickets on sell now @ Bay Used Books, and Eyes of the Wild. 10 in advance or 12 @ the door, and don't forget kids ten and under get in free.

There will be a discussion this evening at the South End Library about hard copy books vs e-books. Here's the link to Points North with Jason Turnbull who spoke with Brian Harding the acting virtual Librarian about the future of books. Have a listen and maybe stop in and share your views.http://www.cbc.ca/pointsnorth/episodes/2013/06/19/future-of-books-is-complicated-librarian/#socialcomments

Greater Sudbury Roller Derby will be hosting South Simcoe Rebel Rollers July 27th at the Copper Cliff Curling Club. Tickets are on sell now. Get them @ Eyes of the Wild Tattoo, right here at Bay Used Books or through any of your local neighborhood GSRD girls. Tickets are 10$ in advance, 12 at the door. Cash bar, food, vendors and derby, what more can you ask for on a Sudbury Saturday night

Every Tuesday I'd like to post a weird or fun fact about literature.Part of Lewis Carroll's classic, "Through the Looking Glass," was omitted from the original publication and was only made known to the general public after 107 years of obscurity. The section, which featured a giant wasp wearing a wig, was left out because Carroll's illustrator, John Tenniel, refused to illustrate it. "A wasp in a wig," said Tenniel, "is altogether beyond the appliances of art."

Happy New Year everyone. To celebrate the new year, we are having our second annual health, body and spirit sale. January is a month of change and to help you along we have all spiritual and self help books on sale at 50% off. This month only. And don't forget, when you spend 30 dollars or more after credit we can put your name in our draw to win a 50 dollar gift certificate.